Knight lifts Bolton out of the bottom three

Bolton climbed out of the relegation zone as Zat Knight’s first goal for the club clinched a crucial 1-0 win against fellow strugglers Wolves on Saturday.

Knight’s first half header at the Reebok Stadium was enough to secure just Bolton’s second win in nine league matches and lift the hosts above Wolves into 15th place in the Premier League – two points outside the bottom three.

Wolves, out of the relegation zone only on goal difference, were left to rue their luck as David Jones and Steve Foley hit the woodwork.

In a lively encounter, Bolton started well with Johan Elmander testing Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann from outside the penalty area.

Owen Coyle’s team should have taken the lead in the 30th minute following a misdirected header by Christophe Berra.

The ball fell to Kevin Davies at the back post but his flick was turned away by Hahnemann before Elmander’s follow-up was blocked by Jody Craddock.

Wolves threatened when Craddock escaped his marker to power in a header that Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jasskelainen saved at full-stretch.

but it was Bolton who took the lead in first half stoppage time when former Aston Villa defender Knight poked in a cross from South Korea midfielder Lee Chung-Yong.

Bolton appealed in vain for a penalty in the 46th minute when Ronald Zubar appeared to handle as a Davies cross.

Wolves went desperately close to drawing level in the 58th minute after Paul Robinson fouled Jones, who picked himself up and curled a free-kick beyond Jaaskelainen only to see his effort hit a post.

Bolton hit back and Lee picked out Stuart Holden but Hahnemann was equal to his effort.

Wolves were out of luck again in the 71st minute when Foley smashed a shot that beat Jaaskelainen but struck the woodwork.

Bolton substitute Ivan Klasnic was set up by Davies only for Hahnemann to parry his effort.

Croatian striker Klasnic almost made Hahnemann pay for a poor clearance in the closing moments as he directed a header narrowly wide of the post.